Combined tool



Nov. 26, 1957 w. E. BASSETT 2,814,106

COMBINED TOOL Original Filed Oct. 10. 192 6 INVENTOR MAI/AM E BAJJETf ATTO RNEY5 United States Patent COMBINED TOOL William E. Bassett, Woodbridge, Conn.

Original application October 10, 1956, Serial No. 615,200,

now Patent No. 2,798,290, dated July 9, 1957. Divided and this application February 25, 1957, Serial No.648,451

6 Claims. (Cl. 30-152) My invention relates to a combined tool involving a case and plural tool elements protected by the case and selectively available for use.

This application is a division of my copending application Serial No. 615,200, filed October 10, 1956, now Patent No. 2,798,290.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved device of the character indicated.

It is another object to provide a simplified combined tool of the character indicated, wherein the selected tool may be removed and positioned for use without disturbing the position of the other tool elements.

It is also an object to provide an improved device of the character indicated, wherein a plurality of tool elements are supported on the same pivot axis and in which detent means formed integrally out of the tool elements and out of the case serve to retain selected positions of selected tool elements independently of each other.

It is a general object to meet the above objects with a very simple construction which will not wear loose, which will avoid the use of washers, and which will require no more parts than merely the separate tool elements, the case, and the means on which they are pivoted.

Other objects and various further features of novelty and invention will be pointed out or will occur to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following specification, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. in said drawings, which show, for illustrative purposes only. preferred forms of the invention:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective showing a disassembled combined tool of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of the fully assembled tool of Fig. 1, with the tool elements held in closed position;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional View through the device of Fig. 2, with an outer or side tool element removed;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged left-end view of the assembly of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view in the plane 55 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an inverted perspective view of one end of a tool case representing a modification of the variety displayed in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view similar to Fig. 3, but illustrating the modified combination using the case of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of an end of another modified case;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view to illustrate cooperation of the parts with the modification of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, but illustrating a still further modification;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 1 to illustrate a modified assembly; and

Fig. 12 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 5 and taken in the plane 1212 of Fig. 11.

Briefly stated, my invention contemplates a combined tool of utmost simplicity, comprising essentially only a case, a plurality of bladed tool elements, and a single pivot-fastening means securing the blade elements to the case. This case is of sheet material, preferably spring steel, of channel section defining upstanding side walls connected by a base. Novel spacer and detent mechanisms are described for permitting the easy independent operation of a selected one of the various blade members and for releasably holding a selected one or more of the blade members in closed or in open position.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings, the invention is shown in application to a tool comprising five parts, namely, a case 10, three tool elements 11-12-13, and a pivot fastener 14, such as a rivet or eyelet. The tool elements are formed of flat stock, and may be referred to as blade members. Blade member 11 has a roughened surface to serve as a file and is locally recessed at 15 for engagement by a fingernail to remove the same. Blade member 12 is contoured as a bottle-cap remover and is also locally recessed at 16 for fingernail engagement. Blade member 13 is formed with a knife edge and may be locally recessed at 17 for fingernail engagement. The case 10 is formed from a single piece of sheet metal, folded along spaced elongated edges 18-19 to define opposed upstanding side walls 2021 between which the blade members 111213 are removably rereceived. The upper edge of each of the side walls may be recessed, as at 22, to provide fingernail access to the various recessed portions 15-1617 of the blade elements. Aligned openings 22' in the side walls 2021 are located near the base 27 in order to clear the outer ends of all blades 111213 (when closed), so that openings 22' may, for example accommodate a key chain or the like (not shown).

In order to provide easy-acting (that is, non-binding) frictional retention of the blades 11-1213, regardless of angular position, each of the outer blades 1113 is shown formed with a dimple or bump 2324, offset from the pivot axis and projecting laterally to ride on the adjacent fiat surface of the central blade member 12. Since the blades 11-13 are cut from sheet stock, the formation of each dimple or bump 2324 necessarily involves formation of corresponding recesses 2324' on the blade surfaces immediately adjacent the side walls 2021 (see Fig. 5).

In accordance with the invention, I provide further dimples or bumps 2526 in the side walls 2021 of the case, said further bumps 25-26 being in register with the recesses 23'-24' for one desired angle of retention of the blade members. For the form shown, this desired retention angle is for the blade-closed position; thus, when the nailfile blade '11 is moved to the closed position between side walls 2021, the bump 25 will fall into the socket of recess 23' to locate blade 11 in the closed position.

Preferably, the rivet or eyelet 14 is tightly swaged to the side walls so as to hold said walls frictionally against the blade members 111213. Thus, as a selected blade 11 or 13 is moved out of the closed position, one of the bumps 25-26 will ride out of the socket (23'-24') in which it is received, so as to more firmly axially compressionally load all blade members against each other at their points of contact. This will mean a slight separation of one of the side walls (2021) from the adjacent selected blade member (11 or 13) as such blade member is lifted out of the closed position.

Thus, while such blade member 11 or 13 is being positioned, its only points of axial thrust-bearing contact with the adjacent parts 12 and 2021 (as the case may be) will be localized at one of the bumps 232425-26, and easy action is assured for all angular positions of such Patented Nov. 26, 1957 l blade member. Once the file blade 11 has been lifted, ready access is presented to the central blade 12 for removal, and the same essentially single-point axial-thrust-bearing contact characterizes suspension of the blade 12 so that described for blades 11 or 13, so that for all angular positions of the central blade 12, easy action and firm, resilient retention are assured.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, I provide, integrally with the blade members 11-1213 and with the case 10, coacting spring-detent means for retention of one of the extreme positions of movement of a selected blade member, it being a particular feature that the detent part integral with the case serves the detent parts of all the blade members in common. For the form shown, the position of blade retention is the outer position, shown for the file blade 11 in Fig. 3.

The pivoted end of each of the blade members may be generally arcuate at a radius to clear the inner surface of the base 27, but at one angular location, as at 28 for the blade 11, and at 28-28" for the blades 12-13, I provide a radially projecting detent lobe. The projection of lobe 28 is preferably of radial extent (about the pivotal axis) slightly exceeding the space between the base 27 and the pivotal axis; thus, for detent action to take place, one of the lobes 28 will have to bear directly on the base 27.

I prefer that the base 27 be locally weakened at the location of contact with lobe 2S, and in Fig. 3 I show that the base 27 has been slitted to define an integral leaf spring 29 to resiliently ride the arcuate blade end, including lobe 28. Preferably, the lobe 23 is so located on the blade 11 as to assume a position on spring 29 past dead center, for the relationship shown in Fig. 3. By this I mean that lobe 28 will have had to pass through the vertical plane (said plane being through the pivot axis and normal to the base 27), just before assuming the position shown in Fig. 3.

The slits defining the spring 29 preferably terminate short of the pivot end of the case so that an integral connecting piece or bridge 30 defines a rigid stop to locate the extended position of a selected tool edge, said tool being provided with a notch or recess 31 to be engaged by stop 30. The spring 29 is necessarily defined by two elongated slits connected by a transverse slit 32. Preferably, this transverse slit 32 is near the outer end of the case 10, so that the main body of the case may provide primary support and reference for the spring 29. The longitudinal slits defining the spring 29 may be and preferably are cut on the folds defining edges 18-19 of the case 10.

If desired, inwardly directed bumps 3334 may be formed in the side walls 2021 near the opposite end of the tool and in position to engage the adjacent side surfaces of the outer blade members 11l3. It will be appreciated that if the case 10 is made of sufiiciently strong stock, the simultaneous closure of all tool elements 111213 into the position shown in Fig. 4 will necessarily involve engagement with both dimples 333d, thereby slightly outwardly deforming the side walls 2021 (the deformation being shown exaggerated in Fig. 4), so that by reaction, the adjacent side faces of the various blade members 111213 may be in frictional contact. All blade members are thus securely retained in the closed position so that, when the tool is carried in ones pocket, the tool elements are not at all likely to drop out of closed position.

In Figs. 6 and 7, I show an alternative means for detentretention of the blade members in the open position. Fig. 7 illustrates that detent action involves coaction between a lobe, such as the lobe 28 on blade 41, and a transverse slot or opening 42 in the base 43 of case 44. If desired, a second lobe 45 may be formed at a location substantially diametrically opposed to the lobe 28 so as to also engage the slot 42 with detent action, but for the closed-blade position, as will be understood.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate a further means of detent-retention of the blades in open position, and in Fig. 9 the pivoted end of a blade 46 is shown formed with a discontinuity, such as a recess 47, to receive an inwardly pressed spring portion 48 formed integrally out of the base 49 of case 50. The spring portion 48 may be defined between laterally spaced longitudinal slits 51--52 near the location of vertical support for the blade 46, in which case the spring portion 48 will be understood to be integrally jointed to the base 49 at both longitudinal ends thereof, as shown in Fig. 9. If desired a second recessed discontinuity 53 may also be formed in the pivoted end of the blade 46, at a diametrically opposite location, to releasably retain the closed position of the blade.

In Fig. 10, I show a still further alternative in which detent action again involves cooperation between a part of a blade 54 and the base 55 of a case 56. However, in Fig. 10, no special formation is required on the base 55, and spring action is achieved through locally weakened parts of the blade 54. As shown, a first discontinuity, bump, or projection 57 on the pivoted end of blade 54 is formed on a spring, defined by slitting blade 54 at 58, so that as blade 54 is moved into the position shown in Fig. 10, the base 55 may deflect bump 57 radially inwardly. For the retained position shown in Fig. 10, the bump 57 preferably passes the dead-center position, as defined above. If desired, the pivoted end of blade 54 may be further slitted at 59 so that a second and diametrically opposite bump 60 may similarly retain the blade 54 in closed position.

The assembly of Figs. ll and 12 may in all respects resemble that described for Figs. 1 to 5, except that an extended arcuate recess 61 is provided on one face of the central blade element 12. Since the parts correspond so closely with those of Figs. 1 to 5, they have been given the same reference numerals. The purpose of the recess 61 is to reduce the overall Width requirements of the assembly and to permit accommodation of the bump 23 of blade member 11 without spacing blade 11 from blade 12. The arcuate extent of recess 61 preferably exceeds about the pivot axis so that blade 12 may offer no impediment to movement of the blade 11, regardless of the position of the blade 11 with respect to blade 12. Also the limit 61 of the recess 61 is preferably so located as to engage dimple 23 of blade 11 when blade 11 is closed, thereby providing a more positive locking action to retain blade 12 closed as long as blade 11 is closed, it being understood that when blade 11 is closed, blade 11 is positively retained by detent action at 2523; thus, all blades, including even the central blade 12, are positively referenced to the case 10 when closed.

It will be seen that I have described basically simple tool construction involving an absolute minimum of parts andyet featuring positive retention of parts in selected positions. In particular, I provide assurance against tool elements shaking out of position when not in use, and there is positive detent action to hold any selected tool element in the open position. For intermediate positions, smooth thrust-bearing action is provided with sufiicient friction to avoid any undue looseness.

While I have described the invention in detail for the preferred forms illustrated, it will be understood that modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims which follow.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character indicated, an elongated channel having a base and opposed upstanding side walls and defining a retaining case, a plurality of elongated blade members pivotally supported on a common axis between said side walls, said blade members being independently movable from a closed position between said side walls to an open position projecting away from said case, each of said blade members having near the pivotally supported end thereof a retaining recess at one angu lar location about said axis. a blade-retaining member integrally formed out of the material of a part of said base and extending laterally for the combined widths of said blade members and in resilient intercepting relation with all blade members to releasably hold a particular selected position of a selected one of said blade members, each said recess being so located on its particular blade member as to receive said blade-retaining member in the full-open extended position, said blade-retaining member terminating short of the blade-pivoting end of said case, whereby said base at said end defines an abutment integrally joined to both said side Walls for limiting the open or extended position of a selected one of said blade members.

2. In a device of the character indicated, an elongated channel having a base and opposed upstanding side walls and defining a retaining case, a plurality of elongated blade members pivotally supported on a common axis between said side walls, said blade members being independently movable from a closed position between said side Walls to an open position projecting away from said case, each of said blade members having near the pivotally supported end thereof two retaining recesses at opposed angular locations about said axis, a blade-retaining member integrally formed out of the material of a part of said base and extending laterally for the combined widths of said blade members and in resilient intercepting relation with all blade members to releasably hold a particular selected position of a selected one of said blade members, one of said recesses for each blade member being so located as to receive said blade-retaining member in the full-open extended position, the other of said recesses for each blade member being so located as to receive said blade-retaining member in the full-closed position, said blade-retaining member terminating short of the bladepivoting end of said case, whereby said base at said end defines an abutment integrally joined to both said side walls for limiting the open or extended position of a. selected one of said blade members.

3. In a device of the character indicated, an elongated channel having a base and opposed upstanding side walls and defining a retaining case, an elongated blade member pivotally supported on an axis extending between said side walls, said blade member being movable from a closed position between said side walls to an open position projecting away from said case, said blade member having near the pivotally supported end thereof a retaining recess at one angular location about said axis, and a spring member integrally formed out of the material of a part of said base and including an integral part projecting inwardly from said base and generally toward said axis and in resilient intercepting relation with said blade member to releasably hold a particular selected position of said blade member, said recess being so located on said blade member as to receive said projecting part in the full-open extended position.

4. In a device of the character indicated, an elongated channel having a base and opposed upstanding side walls and defining a retaining case, a plurality of elongated blade members pivotally supported on a common axis between said side walls, said blade members being independently movable from a closed position between said side walls to an open position projecting away from said case, the part of said base near the location of pivotal support of said blade members being locally slitted near said side walls to define an integral spring joined at both longitudinal ends thereof to said base and extending laterally for the combined widths of said blade members, each of said blade members having at the pivoted end thereof an edge surface to cooperate with said spring to hold each said blade member in one of said positions.

5. In a device of the character indicated, an elongated channel having a base and opposed upstanding side walls and defining a retaining case, a plurality of elongated blade members pivotally supported on a common axis between said side walls, said blade members being independently movable from a closed position between said side walls to an open position projecting away from said case, the part of said base near the location of pivotal support of said blade members being locally slitted near said side walls to define an integral spring joined at both longitudinal ends thereof to said base and extending laterally for the combined widths of said blade members, said spring being formed intermediate its ends with a hump projecting out of the plane of said base and of width covering the combined widths of said blade members, each of said blade members at the pivoted end thereof having an edge surface to resiliently and retainingly engage said hump in one of said positions.

6. In a device of the character indicated, an elongated channel having a base and opposed upstanding ide walls and defining a retaining case, said side walls being continuous for the longitudinal and vertical extent thereof, a plurality of elongated blade members pivotally supported on a common axis between said side walls, said blade members being independently movable from a closed position between said side walls to an open position projecting away from said case, said base near the location of pivotal support of said blade members being formed with a blade-retaining hump projecting out of the plane of said base and of width covering the combined widths of said blade members, said hump being located short of the adjacent end of said base and being integrally joined at both longitudinal ends to said base, said adjacent end of said base being integrally joined to both said side walls, each of said blade members having at the pivoted end thereof an edge surface to cooperate with said bump to hold each said blade member in one of said positions.

Weil May 12, 1903 Hallvarson Jan. 11, 1921 

